Should you really Build an Online Architecture Portfolio?

Building a portfolio is the first step stone to enter the commercial world of architecture, whether it’s an internship or the first job, or maybe switching of jobs, whatever the reason may be, the architecture portfolio is a must. In today’s digitalized world, the trend of building an online portfolio is quite common. It saves time, saves energy, easier to update, looks good and targets a wide range of companies in one go. But taking the easy way out is not always an honorable option. Is considering an online portfolio a good option? Will it help you rise or actually cut down your chances of landing the desired job? Here we have accommodated a list of factors to be considered before opting for an online portfolio.

Easy Compilation- Architecture Portfolio

The selection of material is not the only task that needs attention, the compilation is equally important. The online portfolio offers a variety of templates that help in an easy compilation of the data effectively in comparatively less time.

A Lost Individuality

In the field of design, the portfolio is a reflection of a person’s design aptitude and abilities. Using an online website to build a portfolio results in the generation of portfolios of the same order and effectively kills the uniqueness of the work. Presentation and aesthetics matter a lot. The way the design is presented in a portfolio gives a clear and clean impression of the individual’s creative streak. Using the online aids for the same restricts the creative innovation.

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Targeted Approach- Architecture Portfolio

Usually, the online portfolio is shared with a wide range of companies, about hundreds of companies in one go. Usually, companies’ inbox is laced with a bulk of emails rarely opened. There’s a need for a targeted approach in order to drag the spotlight on your own submission. Submission to each company is to be followed by a phone call. It not possible to contact such a large number of companies when aided with the help of a portfolio building website and consequently your portfolio gets ignored.

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The Digital Presence- Online Architecture Portfolio

An online portfolio helps you reach a wide range of audiences. People can actually search you in the online world and have a look at the stuff you’ve created. This increases the chances of you getting noticed by the people across the globe and results in building up a platform of self-promotion.

A Specialized Portfolio

A wide range of architectural firms generally deal in a specific field, the specialization can be anything, from hotels to hospitals, from urban design to sustainability or from conservation to research. The portfolio targeting those firms must be field-oriented. A generalized portfolio, in that case, will not solve the purpose. Generally, an online portfolio is a generalized portfolio that targets the firms having different specialization in a similar manner and thus, the chances of not getting selected in that case are more.

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Large Size Portfolio

The large size of the online portfolio often serves as a reason for rejection. The preferred size of a portfolio is generally between 3MB to 5MB. Portfolios of greater sizes are rarely opened.

Updating an Online Portfolio is Easier

The online portfolio offers an easy updating option; the portfolio can be updated easily; the content can be added or replaced from time to time showcasing your most current information, talents, designs, capabilities, and projects. Periodic and regular addition of content in an online portfolio depicts an image of the evolution of your capabilities over some time.

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Distracting Advertisements- Architecture Portfolio

Advertisement distracts, it creates chaos. The random popping of advertisements in an online portfolio is destructive. It disturbs the overall layout and degrades the quality of the portfolio. It serves as a major setback.

A Backup- Architecture Portfolio

Having all your work saved in the online world acts as a backup. You can avail of your portfolio whenever required in every corner of the world.

What Goes Online Never Comes Back- Architecture Portfolio

Be aware, the data you share online never comes back. Always ensure the authenticity of the data before adding it to the digitalized world. Also, the data once shared can’t be erased. It is possible that if someone searches your work on the internet after some time, they may encounter your previous work. In case, the quality of your work has enhanced over some time, your old online portfolio may deliver a wrong idea and mislead the employer.

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